Biden’s Explosive New Interview: The First Since Leaving Office (Video)

Former President Joe Biden didn’t hold back in his first major interview since leaving the White House—taking aim at Donald Trump’s reckless diplomacy, economic missteps, and what he called a betrayal of America’s moral compass.

In a sharp and emotional conversation with BBC Radio 4’s Today show, Biden made clear he has no interest in retreating quietly from the political stage. Instead, the 82-year-old former president took direct aim at his successor’s foreign policy blunders and authoritarian impulses, blasting what he called Trump’s “bizarre fantasies” and “dangerous appeasement” of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

“What the hell’s going on here?” Biden asked bluntly. “What president talks about annexing Canada or renaming oceans? That’s not who we are. We’re supposed to be a beacon of democracy—not some 21st-century empire-builder.”

A Warning From the Sidelines

This is Biden’s first extended interview since stepping down in January, after a tumultuous 2024 race and his dramatic decision to withdraw just months before the election. Since then, Trump has returned to office with Vice President J.D. Vance at his side, while Democrats suffered major losses across the House, Senate, and White House.

But Biden made it clear he’s not backing away from public life. Speaking with conviction and visible frustration, he accused Trump of humiliating U.S. allies and handing Putin a geopolitical victory with a proposed “peace” deal that would force Ukraine to cede land seized by Russian troops.

“That’s not peace,” Biden said. “That’s surrender. That’s 1938 all over again. You don’t hand pieces of Europe to dictators and expect stability.”

Zelensky Humiliated, Allies Alienated

Biden referenced the February Oval Office meeting between Trump, Vance, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky—an encounter widely criticized after leaked footage showed Zelensky being lectured and interrupted.

“It was beneath us,” Biden said flatly. “The way they treated Zelensky, a man fighting for his country’s survival—that’s not how American leadership behaves.”

He warned that Trump’s behavior is already shaking the confidence of European allies who, under his administration, had begun to trust U.S. leadership again.

“They’re asking, ‘Can we still rely on the United States?’ That question should never have to be asked,” he said.

The Economy, Tariffs, and Trump’s Blame Game

Biden also responded to recent economic criticism from Trump, who blamed this year’s economic slowdown on Biden-era policies—even as the stock market briefly rebounded in January.

“Our economy was growing,” Biden said, defending his track record. “We created 14 million jobs. Inflation was finally cooling. What Trump inherited was stability. What he’s delivered is a trade war.”

Trump’s 25% tariffs on foreign-made cars and escalating tensions with European and Asian trading partners, Biden said, have created unnecessary volatility and fear in global markets.

“He calls that strength. I call it economic vandalism,” Biden added.

No Regrets on 2024 Exit

When pressed about his late withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race—weeks before Kamala Harris’ failed bid—Biden stood firm.

“I don’t think leaving earlier would’ve changed the outcome,” he said. “Kamala was a strong candidate. The timing was hard, yes—but we did what we thought was right.”

He said the moment he left office was not about calculation, but conviction. “Things were moving so fast… It was a deeply personal decision. I don’t regret it.”

Still a Voice in the Room

Biden’s reemergence is already dividing Democratic circles. Some party insiders reportedly hoped he would maintain a low profile following their bruising electoral losses. But his BBC appearance—and an upcoming interview with The Viewalongside First Lady Jill Biden—suggest he’s not ready to disappear.

Sources close to the Biden family say he still feels a responsibility to speak out when democracy is under threat. A former aide said: “He sees what’s happening and he just can’t stay silent anymore.”

In recent weeks, Biden has slowly returned to the public eye—speaking at a Model U.N. conference, a union event in Philadelphia, and a St. Patrick’s Day brunch. But this latest interview, loaded with warnings and historical parallels, felt different.

“I’ll let history judge Trump’s first 100 days,” Biden said with a wry tone. “But I don’t see much triumph—just damage control.”

A President Without a Filter

Throughout the interview, Biden’s tone was raw and direct—often bordering on disbelief.

“I don’t understand how anyone thinks giving land to a thug like Putin will make him stop,” he said. “It’s naive. It’s dangerous. And it’s not leadership.”

Democratic voters who still admire Biden for steering the country out of a pandemic and standing up to global autocrats will likely see this interview as a needed course correction. For others, it’s a painful reminder of what might have been in 2024.

One thing is clear: Joe Biden is no longer commander-in-chief—but he’s not done fighting for the soul of the country.